The Kebbi State Police Command says 44 people were killed following a coordinated attack on several communities in Shanga Local Government Area.

The affected villages include Gebe, Kalkami, Kawara, Kasoshi, Awaye, Tungar Rini, Binuwa, and Dabe.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Kebbi Police Command Public Relations Officer, Bashir Usman, said it launched a statewide clearance operation.

Usman said the operation followed the directive of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Olatunji Disu, aimed at preventing further banditry and violent crimes across the state.

The police stated that massive deployments of police personnel and other security agencies have been made to the affected communities, leading to the return of relative calm.

The command added that discreet investigations have commenced into the attack.

The ongoing clearance operation, according to the police, is targeting high-risk areas such as farmlands, forests, border communities, and remote settlements.

It also includes coordinated patrols, intelligence-led stop-and-search operations, and joint actions with other security agencies.

As part of the operation, the police said two AK-47 rifles were recovered along the Illo-Kamba axis, describing it as evidence of the effectiveness of intelligence-led policing.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Umar Hadejia, called on residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing timely and credible information.

Hadejia also urged traditional rulers, community leaders, religious bodies, and youth groups to support ongoing efforts to restore peace and strengthen security across the state.

Emmanuel Egobiambu

(Channels TV)